Listen to New Nelly Furtado "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" [Single Review]
April 16, 2012
"I bet you've never heard something like that," Furtado rightfully boasts in the chorus of her highly-anticipated new single "Big Hoops," a bold and boisterous pop romp that is best described as an unorthodox mash of hip hop and pop with a hint of drum and bass. Staying true to form, Furtado directs a wildly unique effort that once again emphasizes that she's a true pop chameleon who is not afraid to challenge herself artistically and venture out in uncharted territory.
"Big Hoops" kicks off with a very brief spoken word intro by producer Rodney Jerkins who proclaims that it's time "to release the fresh" before unleashing a mind-blowing, bass-heavy bounce beat with Furtado mumbling "the bigger, the better." Upon entering the first verse, Jerkins adds some of his signature spit and shine, and expertly layers glowing synth stabs over the song's hypnotic hip hop groove. It's the perfect arrangement for Furtado's piercing vocal performance and punchy lyrics that are filled with classic hip hop references.
Some may argue that this is not a tune that's fit for top 40 radio, but that may not be what really matters for "Big Hoops." The song's intent clearly is to create a bridge between where Nelly came from and where she is heading next. Plus, the brash and bareknuckle qualities of the song also properly alert fans to take notice and hear that Furtado is back with guns blazing. You may remember that Furtado's "Maneater" hit the scene with a similar sonic intensity back in 2006.
Entitled "T.S.I. (The Spirit Indestructible)," Furtado's forthcoming album is shaping up to be an incredibly eclectic compilation of songs that pulls together the diversity of her previous three albums into one potent new effort. Her long list of collaborators that come from all over the musical spectrum are proof of that. The singer worked with people ranging from dance superstar Tiesto to Jamaican reggae producer Genius, and from rapper Nas to Portugese world music icon Sara Tavares. She also worked Fraser T Smith (who produced Adele, Keane and Claire Macguire among many others) and dueted with Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit. (Download Nelly Furtado "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" on iTunes now.)